ISLAMABAD: The government will bring fundamental changes in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to make it an effective tax administration for enhancing narrow tax base of the country, Minister of State for Revenue Muhammad Hammad Azhar said on Wednesday.

Briefing the media about the 200-day performance of the PTI government, he acknowledged that problems exist in the current set up which will be removed either through fundamental changes or creating a new tax authority.

When questioned about the demoralisation of tax officials under the current government, the minister said problems have been identified and the government will overcome these issues.

Sharing details, he said the FBR has started developing profiles of potential taxpayers in collaboration with Nadra. “We will finalise these profiles by April 2019,” he added.

Regarding the massive shortfalls of Rs235 billion, the minister said low collection on petroleum products was the main cause. Also no collection on mobile cards as the case is subjudice, he said.

“The shortfall can easily be managed through ­imposition of indirect taxes,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2019